Bulls don't play out string in finale

Kevin Durant took Wednesday night off, ceding the scoring title to Carmelo Anthony, who also rested. The starting lineups for the Knicks-Hawks game that had potential bearing on the Eastern Conference's fifth playoff seed resembled units that might see garbage time.

Yet the Bulls used their regular rotation, albeit with reduced minutes. Part of this is because coach Tom Thibodeau wanted Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, who have been battling injuries, to further their game conditioning and rhythm.

Another part drew a reference to No. 23.

"I also think you have to respect the game," Thibodeau said. "Maybe you're not playing as many minutes as normal, but I do think if you can play you should. That's one of things for which I have great respect for (Michael) Jordan — because he always did that. Whether it was preseason, the end of a season."

Iron men:Jimmy Butler and Nate Robinson were the only Bulls to play all 82 games. It's the first time both players reached this milestone, with Robinson doing so in his eighth season.

Butler played in just 42 of 66 games in his lockout-shortened rookie season. His overall minutes jumped from 359 to 2,091.

"I have surprised myself," Butler said. "But I'm not surprised at the work I've put in (last) summer and this season. It's starting to show. But with your reps, you gain confidence. And with confidence, it makes it easier to play."

Open door: Despite missing the entire regular season following knee surgery, Derrick Rose would make his season debut in the playoffs if he feels ready. That scenario is considered unlikely.

"Whenever he's ready we're going to welcome him back because obviously he adds a lot to the team,'' Thibodeau said. "It's the same as Jo and Taj. They come back and they're playing limited minutes, but it's a big plus to the team just because of what their strengths are. All those guys are team-oriented and it makes your team a lot better.''

Layups: The Bulls finished 24-17 at home, which ranked sixth in the Eastern Conference. … The Bulls launched their "See Red" campaign, where they encourage fans to wear red for home playoff games. … Luol Deng turned 28 on Tuesday.